From the r.j.s. observatory, an image of the gorgeous, ruby-red carbon star named Hind's Crimson Star (R Leporis). It was named after the British astronomer John Russell Hind who first observed it in 1845. The star is a variable red giant 1,360 light-years away in the constellation of Lepus, the Hare. It has an over-abundance of carbon in its outer layers due to the break down of helium in its dying core which gives the star its stunning red appearance. It has a 14-month variable period and appears most red when it is dim. The second image shows how to find Hind's which is just below the constellation of Orion. You will need a telescope to see it because it is very dim. A reflector telescope will work best, giving you a wide field of view. If you search the general area depicted in the photo with your telescope, you should be able to find it fairly easily.





Happy observing!
Reggie